Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that has no cure. It is an auto-immune disorder, that is, it flares when the immune system becomes overactive and causes the skin cells to multiply quickly. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown to researchers today, most agree that it is a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that lead to its onset. Psoriasis can affect everyone and has certain telltale signs and symptoms. Plaques Plaques are patches of thick, inflamed skin that can grow and merge, covering larger areas of the body. On lighter skin, these appear red in color with silver scales; on medium skin, they look coral or salmon-colored with silvery-white scales, and on darker skin, they appear purplish or dark brown, with gray scales. These can be quite itchy to deal with and may lead to cracking and bleeding of the skin. These spots commonly appear on the elbows and knees, fingernails and toenails, face, genitals, lower back, and hands and feet. Brittle nails Lots of people with psoriasis also report issues with their fingernails and toenails. These may include discoloration of the nails, development of small pits, or crumbling of the nail. In some cases, they may also completely detach from the nail bed.

Going for regular eye checkups is an important part of maintaining eye health. Such examinations provide insights into the overall health of one’s eyes and create a healthcare history for future reference. Ophthalmologists are health experts with professional training and experience in diagnosing and treating eye-related conditions. When consulting ophthalmologists for eye examinations, one must also ask important questions concerning eye health to understand eye-related conditions and make informed decisions about treatment and care. What are the tests being conducted? Eye examinations can often trigger anxiety among individuals, mostly concerning tests conducted by ophthalmologists. Even the eye drops these professionals administer into the patients’ eyes to dilate their pupils – can cause discomfort. However, these remedies are important because they help doctors by allowing them to examine one’s eyes better by dilating the pupils. To clear any doubts about eye exams, patients should communicate with their ophthalmologists about the tests planned for them and why they are important. This helps individuals understand eye examinations better and relieves anxiety before checkups. Is there a risk of any eye disease developing? Once the test results of the eye examination are in, individuals must ask the doctor if they are at risk of developing an eye-related condition.

Sleep deprivation occurs when one gets less sleep than what their body needs. Health experts say adults require at least seven hours of sleep, while children might need about nine hours. The amount of sleep needed can also vary depending on pre-existing health conditions, activity levels, and other factors. When one does not sleep enough, it affects memory and blood pressure and causes tiredness and other symptoms in the long run. Gradual changes in sleep patterns Sleep pattern changes are often one of the first signs of sleep deprivation. These changes occur slowly over time. For instance, one may fall asleep when they do not intend to, such as while reading the newspaper or watching TV. Sometimes, one may sleep for long hours during the weekend or take multiple naps without intending to. This is quite normal once in a while or when recovering from illnesses like the flu. But, when these patterns occur repeatedly over time, it could mean one is not sleeping enough at night. Changes in energy levels and mood With sleep deprivation, the body does not get enough rest. A lack of rest can increase cortisol and other stress-related chemicals in the body. When that happens, one may consistently feel irritable, have sudden mood swings, and continuously have low motivation levels.

Poor gut health can be the cause of several health issues such as eczema and diabetes. One of the best ways to keep the gut healthy is by ensuring the gut microbiome is balanced. Probiotics play a huge role in maintaining gut health, and while they are present in certain foods, one can boost their intake by taking supplements. These supplements, also called gut health supplements, can help manage digestive issues and other conditions. Replenishes good bacteria in the gut Probiotics are live bacteria, also called the “good” bacteria. These good bacteria are present in the gut and are responsible for aiding digestion and maintaining good gut health. Often, these good gut bacteria get killed due to certain health issues and the treatment options required for them. If the bacteria is not replenished in time, certain harmful bacteria and viruses can take their place in the gut. In such cases, taking gut health supplements can be very beneficial. These supplements replenish good bacteria in the gut and help restore one’s gut health. Helps reduce digestive disorders Several studies have shown that probiotics help in digestion and aid in tackling digestive issues such as diarrhea. Most digestive issues occur due to an imbalance in gut bacteria.

Visits to the doctor can be quick and straightforward or, sometimes, uncomfortable, especially if one is worried about a health issue. Also, while some may not mind waiting at the clinic or the unmistakable scent of citrus and disinfectants, others may feel impatient and then rush through the consultation once they finally see the doctor. This and a few other mistakes can keep them from getting the most out of the consultation. 1. Being unprepared It may seem unnecessary, but being prepared for a visit to the doctor can help one get the most out of their consultation. The preparation involves listing down all the symptoms one has experienced recently so that one can check the list during the consultation. One must also make a list of questions they need to ask their doctor about a diagnosis, treatment plan, clinic policies, or other concerns. Being prepared is also a good way to soothe the nerves before and during the consultation. 2. Not sharing complete information Doctors typically ask patients about their medical history as well as their family’s health history during a consultation, especially while trying to diagnose a health issue. Many health conditions are genetic in nature, meaning that if a parent has the condition, then there is a high chance that their children can develop it.

Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by inflammation in the body. Dead skin cells build up on the skin’s surface, causing itching, burning, or stinging sensations. Psoriasis can appear in small spots or cover larger areas around the ears, feet, hands, eyelids, nails, scalp, or genitals. Sometimes, it may appear in more than one place at once. When it affects areas like the face or hands, it can significantly reduce the quality of life. Glaring signs of psoriasis Plaque development Plaques are another most common sign of psoriasis. They are red, thick, raised patches on the skin that can be covered with a thin, silvery-white coating known as scale. The size of plaques may also vary, and they may join together to form larger patches. Most commonly, plaques may appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back. Dry skin The plaques or scales in psoriasis can disrupt the skin’s moisture and often lead to dry skin. In cases like erythrodermic psoriasis, the skin may even look burnt. Persistent itching Itching around and on the thickened skin is another common sign of psoriasis. However, one should avoid scratching the affected areas since it can thicken the patches and worsen symptoms.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes the digestive tract to become irritated and swollen. Patients experience several symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. While these symptoms may not always point toward Crohn’s disease, it is important not to ignore them but to consult a doctor for a timely diagnosis. Although the condition has no cure, one can manage its symptoms with treatment and care. Abdominal pain Pain and cramps in the abdomen are some of the most common tell-tale signs of Crohn’s disease. They occur as soon as the condition develops and persist through its advanced stages. The pain often appears as a dull ache in the lower right side of the abdomen, with cramps in the same region. Diarrhea Another common early warning sign of Crohn’s disease is diarrhea. Diarrhea must be addressed if it is chronic or occurs frequently because it can worsen the inflammation and irritation in the bowel. The increased inflammation and irritation may lead to a constant urge to move the bowels, causing the stool to be runny and loose. Bloating Crohn’s disease also causes bloating. Due to this, one may feel full even without eating a complete meal.

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high. This can lead to severe complications in the body, such as strokes and heart attacks. It is important to note that high blood pressure can be a concerning health issue because it often does not display any symptoms, particularly in the early stages. Individuals may not even realize they have high blood pressure until it becomes severe. Severe headaches One of the most telltale symptoms of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is experiencing severe headaches. It is also a very commonly observed sign. As per a study, headache is a symptom experienced by more than 20% of those with high blood pressure. Headaches occur when blood exerts too much pressure on the arteries in the brain. If one experiences severe headaches, one should consult a healthcare professional on priority. Chest pain Experiencing chest pain is a common symptom of high blood pressure. This occurs when the blood pressure is so high that the arteries in the heart do not get enough blood supply. One may even experience heart palpitations as a warning sign of high blood pressure. However, it’s worth noting that chest pain may not necessarily be caused by high blood pressure and could indicate other medical conditions.